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Houston - The Houston Renegades are heading into the 2007 season without their prized QB Jerry StClair who isn't expected back until sometime late in the 2nd half of the season. That isn't preventing a bit of optimism in Houston however. Timmerman is coming off of a career year, and with the additions of FB Spraggins, TE Munguia and OG Rapp, it should help improve the running game. We were able to ask coach Ludwig if he just plans on slamming opponents with the run game this season, and like usual, he was very brief with his statement, but we did get a quote "We didn't trade for Markel and draft a receiver with the 8th overall pick so they could have a front row seat to a team running the football"
Markel is a talented young QB who is great in short passes, and has the potential to be a very accurate passer. He could fit in well with the three headed monster at TE of Munguia, Crane, and rookie Donnalley. Luther Wolf displayed great hands in training camp, and Beckner showed flashes of great play, although he has a ways to go. There is not a star among the receiving core, but between the TE's and the top three receivers, Markel shouldn't have a problem finding a target.
The running game was nothing but impressive in training camp. LT Julio Grant really came on strong in camp, and was like a tank out there blocking for Timmerman and Markel. He is quickly becoming one of the best young tackles in the league. Legg, Ellsworth, Mahler, and Rapp should provide great blocking for both Markel and Timmerman. So while we may not see the long bombs from Stclair to Jones, there is quite a bit of optimism in the offensive side of the ball.
On defense, the Renegades ranked in the top 10 last season, and seemed to only have improved. Second year player Shaun Pierce looked fantastic in training camp, actually getting by John Legg a few times and stuffing the run before it started. The rest of the defensive line is also very solid. Bramlett is coming off a 7 sack season and motivated with a brand new contract extension. Newcomer Ash impressed like expected, and Taliaferro should be ready by opening day from his ruptured elbow tendon injury last year.
The linebacker group is solid as well, headed up by MLB Perry Watson who appears to be reaching the high potential set for him. Bryce Young is still slower to develop, but he is looking ahead to a big season coming off 108 tackles and 4.5 sacks last year.
The secondary is as strong as always between Rhodes, Rose, Paul, Sack, and new addition Goodman. This is very important with Otis Peterson in Murf, the Hairston - Pereria connection in Louisiana, and the huge improvement to the passing game in St.Louis with Olin Holst joining Hall. Those two should keep the DB's busy in every game they play together.
So despite the loss of Stclair, we still expect the Renegades to improve on their 6-10 record set last year. Will it happen remains to be seen, but there is plenty to be optimistic about in Houston.
Markel is a talented young QB who is great in short passes, and has the potential to be a very accurate passer. He could fit in well with the three headed monster at TE of Munguia, Crane, and rookie Donnalley. Luther Wolf displayed great hands in training camp, and Beckner showed flashes of great play, although he has a ways to go. There is not a star among the receiving core, but between the TE's and the top three receivers, Markel shouldn't have a problem finding a target.
The running game was nothing but impressive in training camp. LT Julio Grant really came on strong in camp, and was like a tank out there blocking for Timmerman and Markel. He is quickly becoming one of the best young tackles in the league. Legg, Ellsworth, Mahler, and Rapp should provide great blocking for both Markel and Timmerman. So while we may not see the long bombs from Stclair to Jones, there is quite a bit of optimism in the offensive side of the ball.
On defense, the Renegades ranked in the top 10 last season, and seemed to only have improved. Second year player Shaun Pierce looked fantastic in training camp, actually getting by John Legg a few times and stuffing the run before it started. The rest of the defensive line is also very solid. Bramlett is coming off a 7 sack season and motivated with a brand new contract extension. Newcomer Ash impressed like expected, and Taliaferro should be ready by opening day from his ruptured elbow tendon injury last year.
The linebacker group is solid as well, headed up by MLB Perry Watson who appears to be reaching the high potential set for him. Bryce Young is still slower to develop, but he is looking ahead to a big season coming off 108 tackles and 4.5 sacks last year.
The secondary is as strong as always between Rhodes, Rose, Paul, Sack, and new addition Goodman. This is very important with Otis Peterson in Murf, the Hairston - Pereria connection in Louisiana, and the huge improvement to the passing game in St.Louis with Olin Holst joining Hall. Those two should keep the DB's busy in every game they play together.
So despite the loss of Stclair, we still expect the Renegades to improve on their 6-10 record set last year. Will it happen remains to be seen, but there is plenty to be optimistic about in Houston.